ktuu.com

A stretch of a popular area fishing destination's shorefront now belongs to the state. The Nature Conservancy announced its transfer of 75 acres of land at the mouth of the Anchor River to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Tuesday.

Many Southcentral anglers visit the river to fish for king salmon and steelheads. Resident of Anchor River hailed the transfer, which came after the state acquired private and federal funds to purchase the land from the conservancy at cost, as a step forward for state protection of the river.

"This move is absolutely the right thing to do," said local fishing legend Lynn Whitmore. "This is truly a special river, a special piece of land, and a special place to fish for kings. Fishermen are happy to see it publicly owned and protected from here on."

While the land remained publicly accessible in private hands, conservancy officials say the transfer ensures the area's management and availability for fishing.

"This lands transfer is a big victory for all Alaskans," said Randy Hagenstein, director of The Nature Conservancy in Alaska. "The mouth of the Anchor River has been a treasured fishing hot spot for decades, and has served as vital rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead for thousands of years. Public ownership of this land will guarantee access for all Alaskans for decades to come."

"This project wouldn't have been possible without the support from many groups and individuals who care deeply about the long-term health of salmon runs in the Anchor River," said Marie McCarty, executive director of the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust. "Our community extends a huge thank you to Ducks Unlimited, Clark & Barbara Springer, Wildlife Forever, and all of the local fishermen who walked the banks of the river collecting donations to make this dream a reality."

Additional funding for the project came from a National Coastal Wetlands grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as grant matching funds received from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.